verlangen

You usually use it with an object. For example, Ich verlange eine Erklärung (I demand an explanation). You can also use it when talking about money. If you sell a bike, you verlangen a certain price. It often takes the preposition von when you demand something from a specific person. Just remember to conjugate it normally. It is a regular verb, which makes your life easier!

Use it when you are serious. Use it at a store if they overcharged you. Use it in a meeting if you need clear data. It works well when discussing rights or contracts. If a friend breaks a promise, you might verlangen an apology. It shows you have high standards. It is the word for someone who knows their worth.

Do not use it for small favors. Don't verlangen the salt at dinner. That sounds like you are a movie villain. Use bitten or möchte for polite requests. Avoid it with your boss unless things are very wrong. It can sound aggressive if used too lightly. If you want to stay friends, don't demand things constantly.

Germans value clarity and directness. Verlangen reflects this cultural trait perfectly. It is not considered rude if the situation justifies it. In German law, many paragraphs start with what one party can verlangen. It is a word rooted in fairness and rules. It is about the social contract between people. If you do X, I can verlangen Y.

There is also the noun das Verlangen. This usually means a deep 'desire' or 'longing.' It is much more emotional than the verb. You might have a Verlangen for chocolate at midnight. Another variation is abverlangen. This means to demand something difficult from someone. For example, a marathon verlangt everything from a runner. Stick to the basic verb for daily demands.